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SCHOOLS Massive cuts bring worries

The OBSERVER’s View

Forestville Central School board members did not waste any time seeking community support when it comes to a possible major reduction in state aid. Board members went to social media platform Facebook to plead with district residents to make their voices heard to federal lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Tom Reed, regarding cuts by as much as 20% in the largest revenue portion of any school district’s budget.

“As Board of Education members, we are asking for your help,” the statement said. “We need you to help us advocate for our students’ needs. The future of our school depends on you. Without federal funding, we are looking at devastating cuts to our school system.”

Three weeks ago, aid projections for Chautauqua County districts appeared to be about flat in the state budget with 18 districts set to receive $276 million for next year. The coronavirus has since wreaked havoc with those amounts.

With no revenues coming into the state, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has warned the aid numbers could be decreased — from this current year — up to 20%. If that happens, the state aid to our county’s districts decreases by $55.2 million — or about $3.1 million per district.

That is a hardship all schools may face while also making plans for a possible reopening sometime in the fall.

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